Ginkgo
OTHER NAMES(S): Abricot Argenté Japonais, Adiantifolia, Arbre aux Écus, Arbre aux Quarante Écus, Arbre du Ciel, Arbre Fossile, Bai Guo Ye, Baiguo, Extrait de Feuille de Ginkgo, Extrait de Ginkgo, Fossil Tree, Ginkgo biloba, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf, Ginkgo Extract, Ginkgo Folium, Ginkgo Leaf Extact, Ginkgo Seed, Graine de Ginkgo, Herba Ginkgo Biloba, Japanese Silver Apricot, Kew Tree, Maidenhair Tree, Noyer du Japon, Pei Go Su Ye, Salisburia Adiantifolia, Yen Xing, Yinhsing.
Ginkgo
Ginkgo is a type of tree commonly known as the Ginkgo biloba or the maidenhair tree. It is a unique species of tree that is often referred to as a “living fossil” because it is the last surviving member of the Ginkgoaceae family and has remained relatively unchanged for millions of years. Here are some key facts about ginkgo:
Appearance: Ginkgo trees have distinctive fan-shaped leaves with veins that radiate from a central point. The leaves are usually green in color and turn a beautiful golden yellow in the fall. Ginkgo trees can grow up to 100 feet tall and have a slender, conical shape.
Geographical Distribution: Ginkgo trees are native to China and are commonly found in various parts of Asia, including Japan and Korea. They are also widely cultivated in other regions of the world, including Europe, North America, and parts of Africa.
Longevity: Ginkgo trees are known for their longevity and can live for hundreds or even thousands of years. Some ginkgo trees are considered living fossils and are believed to be over 1,500 years old.
Cultural Significance: Ginkgo has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, particularly in Chinese and Japanese herbal medicine. The seeds and leaves of ginkgo have been used to treat various ailments, although their efficacy is still a topic of scientific research and debate. Ginkgo is also a popular ornamental tree in urban landscapes due to its unique appearance and tolerance to pollution.
Environmental Resilience: Ginkgo trees are known for their resilience to pollution and environmental stressors, which makes them popular in urban areas with poor air quality. They are also resistant to many pests and diseases, making them relatively low-maintenance trees.
Nutritional Value: Ginkgo seeds, also known as ginkgo nuts, are edible but need to be properly prepared as they contain a toxic compound when raw. Roasted ginkgo seeds are a popular snack in some cultures and are believed to have potential health benefits.
Ginkgo is a unique and fascinating tree with a long history and cultural significance. Its distinctive appearance, environmental resilience, and potential medicinal uses make it an intriguing species that continues to capture the interest of botanists, herbalists, and nature enthusiasts alike.
Ginkgo has been traditionally used for various purposes, including medicinal, culinary, and ornamental uses. Here are some common uses of ginkgo:
Medicinal Use: Ginkgo has a long history of use in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine for its potential health benefits. The leaves and seeds of ginkgo are believed to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and have been used to treat conditions such as memory loss, cognitive decline, asthma, tinnitus, and sexual dysfunction. However, it’s important to note that scientific evidence on the effectiveness of ginkgo for these purposes is mixed, and consulting a qualified healthcare professional is recommended before using ginkgo for medicinal purposes.
Culinary Use: Ginkgo seeds, also known as ginkgo nuts, are used in some culinary traditions, particularly in Chinese and Japanese cuisine. However, it’s important to note that ginkgo seeds contain a toxic compound called ginkgotoxin when raw, and they need to be properly prepared by roasting or boiling to remove the toxins before consumption. Roasted ginkgo seeds are used as a snack or in various dishes, and they are prized for their unique flavor and texture.
Ornamental Use: Ginkgo is a popular ornamental tree in urban landscapes due to its distinctive appearance and environmental resilience. Ginkgo trees are often planted along streets, in parks, and in gardens for their beautiful fan-shaped leaves that turn a golden yellow color in the fall. They are also tolerant to pollution, making them suitable for urban environments with poor air quality.
Herbal Supplements: Ginkgo leaf extract is commonly used as an ingredient in herbal supplements, which are available in various forms such as capsules, tablets, and teas. These supplements are often marketed as cognitive enhancers, memory boosters, and antioxidants, although their efficacy and safety are still a subject of ongoing research and debate.
Landscape and Bonsai Use: Ginkgo trees are also used in landscape design and as bonsai trees. Due to their unique appearance and ability to tolerate urban environments, ginkgo trees are often planted in gardens, parks, and other outdoor spaces for their aesthetic value.
Woodworking: Ginkgo wood is hard and durable, and it is occasionally used in woodworking for furniture, cabinetry, and decorative items.
It’s important to note that while ginkgo has a long history of traditional use, scientific research on its safety and effectiveness is ongoing. As with any herbal product or supplement, it’s recommended to consult a qualified healthcare professional before using ginkgo for medicinal purposes and to follow proper preparation methods when using ginkgo seeds for culinary purposes.
Precautions:
While ginkgo has been used for various purposes and is generally considered safe for most people when used appropriately, there are some precautions that should be taken into consideration. Here are some precautions to keep in mind when using ginkgo:
Consult a healthcare professional: Before using ginkgo or any other herbal supplement, it’s important to consult a qualified healthcare professional, especially if you have any underlying health conditions, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are taking medications. A healthcare professional can provide personalized advice based on your individual health status and help determine if ginkgo is safe and appropriate for you.
Follow recommended dosage: It’s important to follow the recommended dosage instructions provided by the manufacturer or as prescribed by a healthcare professional. Taking more than the recommended dosage of ginkgo may increase the risk of side effects or interactions with other medications.
Be aware of potential interactions: Ginkgo may interact with certain medications, including anticoagulants, antiplatelet drugs, seizure medications, and antidepressants, among others. It’s important to be aware of potential interactions and consult a healthcare professional if you are taking any medications and considering using ginkgo.
Consider the bleeding risk: Ginkgo has blood-thinning properties and may increase the risk of bleeding or bruising, especially in individuals who are taking blood-thinning medications or have bleeding disorders. If you have a history of bleeding disorders or are taking blood-thinning medications, it’s important to exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional before using ginkgo.
Avoid raw or unprocessed seeds: Ginkgo seeds, also known as ginkgo nuts, contain a toxic compound called ginkgo toxin when raw or unprocessed, which can cause adverse effects. It’s important to only consume properly prepared ginkgo seeds that have been roasted or boiled to remove the toxins.
Be cautious with epilepsy or seizure history: In rare cases, ginkgo has been associated with an increased risk of seizures, particularly in individuals with a history of epilepsy or seizure disorders. If you have a history of seizures, it’s best to avoid ginkgo or consult a healthcare professional before using it.
Monitor for allergic reactions: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to ginkgo, such as skin rash, itching, or swelling. If you develop any signs of an allergic reaction after taking ginkgo, discontinue use and seek medical attention immediately.
Store properly: Store ginkgo supplements or products according to the manufacturer’s instructions to maintain their potency and freshness.
Be cautious during surgery: If you are scheduled for surgery or dental procedures, it’s important to inform your healthcare provider about your use of ginkgo, as it may increase the risk of bleeding during and after the procedure.
Follow a reputable source: When purchasing ginkgo supplements, make sure to choose a reputable source that follows good manufacturing practices (GMP) and has third-party testing for quality and purity.
It’s important to note that ginkgo may not be suitable for everyone, and individual responses to ginkgo can vary. It’s always recommended to consult a qualified healthcare professional before using ginkgo or any other herbal supplement, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, as well as children, should avoid ginkgo unless under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Dosing
Ginkgo has most often been used by adults in doses of 60-240 mg by mouth daily for up to 6 months. Dosing might vary depending on the specific formulation used. Products that have been studied the most are often standardized to contain ginkgo leaf extracts. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
Keep in mind that quality issues are common with Ginkgo products. Lower-quality manufacturers might use cheaper ingredients, like rutin and quercetin, instead of ginkgo. These chemicals both occur naturally in ginkgo, so adding them to ginkgo products can make the products look like ginkgo on some tests. But these products would not have the same effects as ginkgo.
FAQs
What does ginkgo do to the brain?
Ginkgo improves blood flow to the brain and acts as an antioxidant. These effects may translate into some benefits for certain medical problems, but the results have been mixed. Some studies have found that in healthy people, ginkgo might modestly boost memory and cognitive speed.
What are the side effects to ginkgo?
It can cause some minor side effects such as stomach upset, headache, dizziness, and allergic skin reactions. There is also some concern that ginkgo leaf extract might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding or cause arrhythmia. The ROASTED SEED or CRUDE GINKGO PLANT are possibly unsafe when taken by mouth.
How does ginkgo make you feel?
Ginkgo has been repeatedly evaluated for its ability to reduce anxiety, stress, and other symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline linked to aging.
What does Ginkgo biloba do for men?
Ginkgo Increases Male Endurance and Performance Ginkgo biloba also improves aerobic endurance thanks to its vasodilation effects that enhance oxygen delivery to muscle tissue. Ginkgo has also been shown to improve exercise endurance in patients with peripheral artery disease.
Does Ginkgo biloba make you sleepy?
It has been shown to improve memory, improve sleep efficiency, and increase the quality of sleep. It is also a valuable herb for those suffering from depression, anxiety, and insomnia
Is ginkgo good for mental health?
Ginkgo may help alleviate the symptoms of anxiety. A study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research, found that people with generalized anxiety disorder who took ginkgo experienced better anxiety relief than those who took a placebo.
What are the benefits of ginkgo?
Ginkgo has been a part of traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. The leaves were used to treat brain and circulatory problems and respiratory conditions. Ginkgo nuts were used for cough, fever, diarrhea, toothaches, and even gonorrhea. It’s now sold mostly as a supplement for memory support or brain health.
Does ginkgo affect hormones?
Ginkgo has been shown to affect female reproductive functions: it can affect ovarian folliculo- and oogenesis, embryogenesis, promote ovarian granulosa cell apoptosis, reduce their proliferation and the release of ovarian hormones.
Does ginkgo affect kidneys?
Ginkgo biloba extract significantly decreased the serum creatinine and kidney MDA levels, which had increased as a result of cisplatin administration and also improved the depletion of kidney GSH levels in cisplatin administered rats (p
Is it good to take ginkgo biloba everyday?
Can ginkgo biloba harm your health? Ginkgo biloba supplementation is generally considered safe when taken in moderate amounts. Side effects of ginkgo can include headache, upset stomach, dizziness, allergic skin reactions, and heart palpitations.
What is the best time to take ginkgo biloba?
For the best results, Ginkgo biloba should be taken in the morning. This is because we carry out most tasks and duties related to cognition during the day and the herb can then impart its benefits all day long.
Does ginkgo reduce anxiety?
Anxiety. Some studies suggest that ginkgo biloba may be helpful for relieving symptoms of anxiety. One study found that people who took 480 mg of ginkgo biloba each day experienced a 45% greater reduction in their anxiety symptoms than those taking a placebo. 5 Such results may be due to increased antioxidant levels.
Does ginkgo improve mood?
Does ginkgo improve mood? In other randomized controlled trials with dementia, although Ginkgo biloba was relatively effective in alleviating apathy/indifference and depression/dysphoria, it also seemed to reduce psychiatric symptoms such as irritability/lability and anxiety, which stand in contrast to our case
Ginkgo Biloba
It also contains powerful antioxidants, such as terpenoids and flavonoids. However, like the others listed, ginkgo biloba can have unwanted negative effects on both female and male fertility. This can include difficult or impossible fertilization, poor sperm quality, and damaged eggs.
What vitamins are best for erectile dysfunction?
Vitamins B3, B9, and D are important for male sexual health and may help manage ED. Ginseng and arginine may also prove effective, but more research is necessary to confirm this.
